Revision of the African chigger genus Austracarus (Acariformes: Trombiculidae: Leeuwenhoekiinae)

Abstract

The African genus Austracarus Lawrence, 1949 was revised based on type specimens and literature data. Two species were transferred to this genus from Acomatacarus Ewing, 1942—A. gateri (Radford, 1942) and A. theileri Radford, 1947. Re-descriptions of these species based on their holotypes and one topotypic specimen were prepared. Two species were re-described based on their paratypes—Austracarus procaviae Lawrence, 1949 and A. dendrohyracis (Vercammen-Grandjean, 1957). The monotypic genus Austrombicula Lawrence, 1949 was synonymized with Austracarus. An updated diagnosis and a key to species of Austracarus are provided.